HIMSS trends forecast: 4 key predictions for 2019

The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society released the first issue of a new annual forward-looking trends report.

The report — "2019 Healthcare Trends Forecast: The Beginning of a Consumer-Driven Reformation" — outlines four predictions for the state of healthcare in 2019, based on commentary and analysis from various healthcare experts. The report is designed to provide clinicians, developers, payers and policymakers with insights and perspectives into where the industry is heading this year.

Four predictions for healthcare in 2019, as described in the report:

1. Digital health startups will need to demonstrate tangible results. "Digital health tools have been riding the peak of the hype cycle for several years now, but 2019 will be the year that digital health will need to answer for the way technology will increase access to care and narrow gaps in care and coverage."

3. Financial and demographic challenges will drive new methods of care delivery. "In 2019, companies focusing on the social determinants of health and how to integrate mechanisms for providers to play a bigger role in triage, data-driven care, continuity of care and personalized action plans will find a more receptive environment."

4. Data-privacy debates will drive policy changes. "In 2019, privacy and security will be top of mind, with policymakers looking to the private sector and their policy counterparts in other countries to figure out what policy changes need to be put into place to protect information sharing."